The Philadelphia Eagles left Foxborough with several issues to correct after two joint practices against the New England Patriots. Jalen Hurts and the offense committed too many turnovers. The secondary struggled at times during the opening session, and unnecessary skirmishes disrupted the flow of Thursday’s practice. Those concerns deserve attention, but joint practices are designed to expose weaknesses before the results count.
The biggest reason for optimism came from Jalyx Hunt, who looked ready to make another significant leap in his development.
Jalyx Hunt was consistently disruptive
Hunt created problems for New England during both sessions. He won consecutive pass-rush opportunities against Patriots left tackle Will Campbell, generated pressure against Drake Maye and drew praise
from observers who watched him challenge New England’s offensive line.
His second practice may have been even more impressive.
Hunt ripped the football away from running back Rhamondre Stevenson for a forced fumble, displaying the strength and awareness to create a turnover in the backfield. He later made a diving interception after Riq Woolen disrupted a pass intended for former Eagles receiver A.J. Brown. The interception was another reminder of Hunt’s unusual athletic background. He began his college career as a safety before developing into an edge defender, giving him coverage instincts and ball skills that most pass rushers lack.
That versatility was evident last season when Hunt became the first player in franchise history to lead the Eagles in sacks and interceptions. He finished with 6.5 sacks and three interceptions while producing 55 quarterback pressures.
His work against New England suggested those numbers were not his ceiling.
Came for the slo-mo, stayed for the 1-handed scoop pic.twitter.com/xmcl1h9Rts
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 21, 2026
Hunt’s growth changes the outlook at edge rusher
Philadelphia entered training camp with uncertainty at edge rusher because Jonathan Greenard has been sidelined by a pectoral injury. Nolan Smith, A.J. Epenesa and Arnold Ebiketie provide additional options, but Hunt has looked like the defender most prepared to handle the leading role.
His impact is no longer limited to athletic flashes. Hunt is winning with improved technique, better hand usage and a clearer understanding of how to attack offensive tackles. He can rush the passer, set the edge against the run, drop into coverage and create turnovers. Joint practices do not provide a complete regular-season evaluation. Quarterbacks cannot be hit, and pass rushers do not always finish plays. Still, consistently disrupting an opponent’s starting offense carries weight.
If Greenard returns healthy, the Eagles could have a dangerous combination coming off the edge. If his absence extends into the regular season, Hunt appears prepared to carry additional responsibility. Philadelphia’s trip featured uneven moments, but Hunt gave the defense something substantial to build around. He arrived in Foxborough as a popular breakout candidate and left looking like a potential cornerstone.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Biggest reason for optimism after Eagles-Patriots joint practices
